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Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts

Overview & Applicability

WICCI scientists have created a mapping tool that answers the question: "What climates today are most similar to the projected future climate of my location?" Also known as climate analogs, these maps show you locations in the U.S. that currently resemble what the climate is projected to be like in Wisconsin in the future.

The Interactive Mapping tool allows users to ask a simple question: what climates today most resemble the future climates projected for my location? Answers to this question can help us adapt and plan for the consequences of climate change.

Inputs & outputs

The user only needs to provide a location on a map in order for this tool to work. The user can choose from 3 climate scenarios: B1, A1B, and A2. The user can also choose from 14 climate models and which time period the results will show.

The results of this tool show the locations whose current climates most resemble the future climate of the specified location in Wisconsin, which are called the closest analogues.

Accessing the tool and additional information

This tool requires the user to have the most recent Adobe Flashplayer.

Fast Facts

Website

https://www.wicci.wisc.edu/climate-change.php

Purpose

These maps show you locations in the U.S. that currently resemble what the climate is projected to be like in Wisconsin in the future.

Format

online

Geography

Wisconsin

Scale

Specified location on the map

Training requirement

No training is required to use this tool. It is very user friendly and only requires the user to choose a location on a map.

Status

This tool was copyrighted in 2009.

Potential Applications:

Farmers can use this website to identify possible crop types and hybrids that may do well in Wisconsin’s future climates, while epidemiologists and land managers can use this information to identify diseases and pests that may be poised to enter Wisconsin.